Warren Petersen Backs New Rules to Expose AI Deepfakes, Protect the Public

Arizona Senate Republicans , including President Warren Petersen, are backing new legislation that would require AI tools to automatically tag content they produce, an effort to prevent deepfakes from deceiving consumers across the state.

The proposal, Senate Bill 1786, is sponsored by Senate President Petersen (R-AZ). It would make Arizona one of several states adopting “common-sense” rules to help people tell when they’re looking at or listening to something made by a computer.

Petersen said the goal is not to stop innovation but to make it safer. “Conservatives don’t fear innovation—we lead it,” he said. “But with innovation comes responsibility, and right now, deepfakes are being used to deceive voters, exploit children, and defraud consumers. This bill draws a clear, common-sense line: if AI creates or materially alters content, the public deserves to know.”

Under the bill, companies that offer AI tools to the public would have to include a built-in digital “AI-made” watermark or similar tag, applying only to major changes.

The bill mirrors guidance from national agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of Homeland Security. Supporters say it won’t add new bureaucracy or cost taxpayers extra money.

The urgency of the bill stems from deepfakes becoming more dangerous and widespread. According to reports, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that AI-generated child sexual abuse images jumped from 4,700 in 2023 to 440,000 in the first half of 2025.

Additionally, experts warn that deepfakes are also emerging as a serious election threat, capable of confusing voters and spreading false information that can undermine trust in democracy. Federal agencies say advances in AI make it easier and cheaper for bad actors to produce convincing fakes that are hard to detect.

Petersen argues his bill offers a balanced solution. “Arizona should be a place where cutting-edge technology thrives, but not at the expense of truth, trust, or public safety,” he said. “This legislation proves we can protect people, respect innovation, and keep government limited all at the same time.”